Austin, Texas

  The recent arrests of five American Muslim youth in Pakistan on suspicion of attempting to join militant groups there has provoked deep concern about the existence of homegrown extremism among Muslim American youth. Until recently, it was believed that this was a problem confined to other Western countries such as the UK. The fact that several Muslim Americans have recently surfaced in Somalia and Pakistan among militant groups demands immediate action by the Muslim American community.

The good news is that those Muslims who espouse militant ideologies no longer find a physical home in mainstream Muslim America. For example, Anwar al-Awlaki, an American-born imam who cheered on the Fort Hood shootings, became ever more radical in his ideology and teaching after leaving the United States and colluding with Yemeni extremists. Similarly, the New York-based al-Qaeda supporting extremist duo that calls itself "Revolution Muslim" has been reduced to heckling mosque-goers from the sidewalk.

The bad news is that after being chased out of the Muslim mainstream, those Muslims leaning towards extremism have found sanctuary on the Internet. There, militants have been able to exploit visitors' religious illiteracy and social alienation better than their moderate brethren and recruit people to join their cause.

Those Muslims who have found themselves immersed in radicalism have two primary traits in common: a strong aversion to U.S. policy in Muslim countries (which, it must be stressed, is in and of itself not extremist) combined with a profound "identity complex" with respect to what it means to be a Muslim American. The combination of the two creates susceptibility to extremist interpretations that both provide both an identity and a means (albeit violent) to push back.

The best possible antidote then, to Muslims falling prey to extremist thought is to craft and propagate a compelling Muslim American narrative that instills pride and purpose among susceptible minds, and to connect them to mainstream efforts to address U.S. policy in Muslim countries.

Those Muslims exploring violent tactics need to be convinced that it is more effective, moral, and Islamic to defend Muslims overseas through lawful means, and this education needs to happen where they spend the most time searching for answers - namely, the Internet. While Muslim Americans should be commended for moving towards a zero-tolerance policy towards extremist rhetoric in their mosques, they have unfortunately not fought these ideologues on Internet forums where anti-radicalization efforts are most needed.

It is understandable why mainstream Muslims haven't engaged extremists on the Web. For one, it is distasteful and difficult work, and it is easy to fall prey to the notion of "out of sight, out of mind." Second, there remains widespread fear that ordinary Muslims who participate in dialogue on extremist websites may themselves be targeted by authorities on suspicion of terror-related activities. I have discussed this dilemma with the highest levels at the Department of Homeland Security, and while there is consensus that this perception is a problem, little has been done to date to address it.

However, there are also other ways to confront aggressive ideologies online. First, we can cultivate an online Muslim presence that is far more sophisticated and engaging to those Muslims who are exploring their identities. Second, we must create online venues where those Muslims troubled by U.S. policies in the Muslim world can join together and engage constructively with lawmakers to help bring about the changes they seek. Third, we must shake any fear of being somehow "less Islamic" than extremists and turn the tables on them through sound scholarship and articulation of principles that speak to the heart of Muslim youth.

It does seem unfair at times that mainstream Muslims are called upon to lead the fight against extremism in our midst. After all, similar injunctions are not made on African-American or Latino communities regarding criminal elements that operate from within their communities. But those of us who believe that Islamic tradition is a noble, life-affirming one need to exhibit the same (or greater) energy as those who see it as a constant vehicle for confrontation, and take the struggle to the Internet where they now find sanctuary.

Isn't it ironic that the human rights activists and advocates for democracy in the Muslim community are easier to sideline and undermine by the broader traditionalist community, than people who find solace in violence, arrogance and intellectual fallacy.

Anwar Awlaki still has very broad support. Don't doubt it. He speaks euphemistically and appeals to the same exclusive noble identity and consciousness that people like Bush, Hitler and Sharon did. Paint yourself as the victim, paint others as the root of problems ... simmer with anger, spice with regret and hope for retribution. More than that, he can evoke traditionalist arguments and the full weight of sharee methodology, that appears to people as a protective of the Deen and the Ummah.

The reason these voices find place on the internet is because modern Muslim media is not offering Muslims any other form of dialogue except moralising about others, a sense of victimhood at the hands of outsiders and a betrayal of traditional values every time we engage the issues of a post-modern world. The weak, dissolved and sectarian mdoerate Muslim media is as blameworthy for the flourishing of wayward voices as the Awlakis of the world are.

And don't doubt further that Arabic and Urdu medium sites are very influential.

Now I think it is time for a little summary report that I like to call "Keeping up with Anwar Awlaki!"

In a recent interview with Aljazerra Awlaki says, "I did not recruit Nidal Hasan to this operation; the one who recruited him was America, with its crimes and injustices, and this is what America refuse to admit,"

Chickens come home to roost... yadda, yadda, yadda.

The picture about whether he recruited or guided Nidal Hasan gets a little more complicated, according to a CNN report and other sources. Nidal Hasan in some of his email correspondence asked the good cleric "if killing U.S. soldiers is legal (under Islamic law)".

I don't know about the rest of you but I think an insanity defense by Nidal Hasan is less likely of succeeding. Sounds like premeditation if you ask me.

Here is a bonus statement from Al-Awlaki. He said his role was only limited to Hasan's thought process, adding that he'd be honored if I had a bigger role."

So as a religious cleric he said he would be proud to have inspired an attack that among the victims included a young woman carrying an unborn child that she was look forward to bringing into the world.

That sounds a little weird.

This just in! The end of Anwar Al-Awlaki?
A raid in East Yemen had targeted an Al-Qaeda leadership meeting that was apparently held to organize attacks. U.S. officials believe Anwar Awlaki was "probably" one of dozens of militants killed in the strike. In fact it was Anwar's home that was apparently targeted in the strike. (source: ABC)

It seems Anwar Al-Awlaki wore out his welcome in Yemen, it is still an open question how much the Yemeni government and the United States collaborated on this strike. I had earlier on this site joked about how a "very large propeller driven model airplane" may soon find him. Looks like I was right in that regard. What is this... the second Yemeni- American to have been blown up in Yemen?

Well, if this is indeed the end of Anwar Al-Awlaki I just want to say to him (or his blown up pieces) thanks for the horrible memories.

new spelling corrections, sorry for earlier post:

Now I think it is time for a little summary report that I like to call "Keeping up with Anwar Awlaki!"

In a recent interview with Aljazerra Awlaki says, "I did not recruit Nidal Hasan to this operation; the one who recruited him was America, with its crimes and injustices, and this is what America refuse to admit,"

Chickens come home to roost... yadda, yadda, yadda.

The picture about whether he recruited or guided Nidal Hasan gets a little more complicated, according to a CNN report and other sources. Nidal Hasan in some of his email correspondence asked the good cleric "if killing U.S. soldiers is legal (under Islamic law)".

I don't know about the rest of you but I think an insanity defense by Nidal Hasan is less likely of succeeding. Sounds like premeditation if you ask me.

Here is a bonus statement from Al-Awlaki. He said his role was only limited to Hasan's thought process, adding that he'd be honored “if I had a bigger role."

So as a religious cleric he said he would be proud to have inspired an attack that among the victims included a young woman carrying an unborn child that she was looking forward to bringing into the world.

That sounds a little weird.

This just in! The end of Anwar Al-Awlaki?
A raid in East Yemen had targeted an Al-Qaeda leadership meeting that was apparently held to organize attacks. U.S. officials believe Anwar Awlaki was "probably" one of dozens of militants killed in the strike. In fact it was Anwar's home that was apparently targeted in the strike. (source: ABC)

It seems Anwar Al-Awlaki wore out his welcome in Yemen, it is still an open question how much the Yemeni government and the United States collaborated on this strike. I had earlier on this site joked about how a "very large propeller driven model airplane" may soon find him. Looks like I was right in that regard. What is this... the second Yemeni- American to have been blown up in Yemen?

Well, if this is indeed the end of Anwar Al-Awlaki I just want to say to him (or his blown up pieces) thanks for the horrible memories.

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I think you make a valid point that internet sites which preach radical agendas are proliferating and need to be combated head on. But what I've also noticed is the 'radicalization' of moderate Muslim sites which tends to drive away the curious or moderate Muslims.

Mecca. com is an example of a site which was basically high-jacked by a few loud-mouth types who continually spewed hatred & vitriol - short of banning such people (which contradicts the very nature of these moderate sites!) - their extremist rants tended to silence the reasonable people who were genuinely interested in constructive dialogue.

Once again it's an example of the 'silent majority' remaining silent! Those who shout the loudest dominate the discussion...so we all need to speak up in order to drown out the voices of intolerance. Getting politically involved is the next essential task of American Muslims in order to begin to effect policy changes - we need to get on the bandwagon & learn how to play the lobbying game in DC!

Most of Ahlaki's CDs are available at ISNA conferances, mosques in the USA and most Muslim outlets.

Maybe we need to define what it means to be moderate today. Considering that most mosques in the USA refuse to allow women on the main prayer hall.

Dakota >>> Most of Ahlaki's CDs are available at ISNA conferances, mosques in the USA and most Muslim outlets.

Simply because his lectures are very general ones about unity, and his translation of Seerah from the Yemeni schools if very good. Most people haven't scrutinised his political ideology and hold him to favour because of his outwardly positive work on the other two. You have to be quite intuitive and politically aware to pick up on the full extent of his political message. Outwardly its all about Muslim honour and celebrating Islamic heritage.

DH >> Mecca. com is an example of a site which was basically high-jacked by a few loud-mouth types who continually spewed hatred & vitriol - short of banning such people (which contradicts the very nature of these moderate sites!)

Maybe as Muslims we should take the Prophet SAW's advice and prevent the brothers from doing things which harm them. But lets face it, most of the loudmouths online are hardly dedicated community activists. Those are the people worth reading and listening too. Remember that comment is free, but analysis is hard work.

Its sad, but you can get away with alot in this Ummah is you have a long beard, wear a kurtha and are fair in complexion.

>>> Those who shout the loudest dominate the discussion...so we all need to speak up in order to drown out the voices of intolerance.

The problem is that you need to put out positive messages of tolerance. But people love conflict and sensationalism. Its just as true on BBC as it is arabicword.com.

great article and great thread.


"The best possible antidote then, to Muslims falling prey to extremist thought is to craft and propagate a compelling Muslim American narrative that instills pride and purpose among susceptible minds, and to connect them to mainstream efforts to address U.S. policy in Muslim countries."

I think also Muslim media needs to do a better job of transmitting such narratives to non-Muslim media. We talk too much amongst ourselves. When the widespread general public perception of Muslims gets transformed into something much more positive over time through such accounts, the identity crisis and alienation might soften.

its interesting to see the attention created by the Taqwacore movement. Knight unknowingly gave voice to identity and faith issues felt deeply by many others, as evidenced by the real-life traction the movement has taken. In the context of a modern Muslim youth identity crisis, taqwacore is one facet that's visibly taken root and can't be swept under the prayer rug in such discussions, regardless of how uncomfortable some may be with it. I think it's an interesting and healthy development myself. And I'd rather young Muslims sing it loud for Allah than join a radical militant group, any day.